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Giving Thanks Through Tears When Relief Hasn’t Come
Paul’s commands to rejoice, pray, and give thanks belong together. The Thessalonians received the Word amid affliction and with the joy of the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:6). We can bring our sorrow to God, ask Him for relief, and thank Him for His faithfulness in the same prayer.Habakkuk rejoiced in the God of his salvation when the harvest failed (Habakkuk 3:17–18). The cross gives us reason to trust the Lord’s providence even when we cannot see what He is doing. Through the crucifixion, God accomplished redemption according to His plan (Acts 2:23). Jesus bore the judgment sinners deserved and rose from the grave. Nothing can separate His people from the love of God in Christ (Romans 8:35–39).Five Ways to Give Thanks in Hardship
- Bring your pain to God in prayer. Tell Him what hurts and ask Him for help.
- Remember what remains true. God’s character, His promises, and Christ’s finished work remain sure as your circumstances change.
- Recall God’s past faithfulness. Remember a prayer He answered or a season when He provided what you needed.
- Thank God for specific mercies. Give thanks for Christ, His Word, your local church, and the ways He has provided for you today.
- Look ahead to Christ’s return. God will raise the dead and wipe away every tear.
Scripture in This Episode
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 and 1:6
- Habakkuk 3:17–18
- Romans 8:28 and 8:35–39
- 2 Corinthians 4:17–18
- Acts 2:23
